Increased Alcohol Sales And Stress May Be Leading To More Fatal Car Crashes

December 27, 2020
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It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it.  With all that has gone on there is no wonder that stress rates are through the roof and that alcohol sales have seen a spike since the start of 2020.  In fact, alcohol sales in particular are up 14% over this time last year and the likely culprit is stress.  While it is too early to say whether this stress and alcohol use are leading to more fatal New Haven auto accidents, there is research to show that fatalities are up this year over last year, despite a reduction in traffic.

Along with higher stress rates and alcohol sales rising there has also been an increase in opioid use.  Before COVID-19 fatalities from opioid use were up significantly in the three years from 2017, and with stress and other factors exacerbating drug use it is expected that this type of drug use will continue to rise into early 2021 and beyond.  Opioid use while driving is equally deadly.

So, what can you do to keep yourself and loved ones safe during this time of heightened stress?

  1. Always designate a driver.  If you are drinking, you should never get behind the wheel.
  2. Slow down.  When people are stressed they often speed.  Speeding is one of the deadliest things you can do behind the wheel.
  3. Check in on your loved ones, especially those with a propensity towards depression and other mental health challenges.  If you have a loved one who is a recovering addict, make sure they know you are there for them if they need anything.
  4. Wear your seatbelt.  Even if you are avoiding dangerous behaviors that can cause New Haven auto accidents, others may not be, so you will want to protect yourself.

There is not fool proof way to keep yourself safe on Connecticut’s roads, especially with heightened stress levels for nearly everyone these days, but taking precautionary measures can certainly take some of the dangers out of the equation and keep you safer while driving.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, contact one of our experienced and knowledgable attorneys who can review your case for you.